Applications are now being taken for the The Three Peaks Yacht Race, the gruelling adventure race that sees teams of five take on a unique navigational and fitness challenge.

It is a unique event combining sailing, running and a little cycling; with the quirky feature that rowing is allowed in moments of calm. It takes competitors through some spectacular scenery and challenges the sailors’ navigational expertise.

The 39^th edition of the race will see teams of five, comprising three sailors and two runners, set out in yachts from Barmouth on the West Wales coast and sail to Caernarfon in the Menai Straits, where the runners leave the boat and run to the top of Snowdon and back.

They then proceed to Whitehaven on the coast of north-west England, where the runners cycle to the foot of Scafell Pike then run to the top and back. Finally they rejoin the boat again to sail to Fort William in Scotland where the runners scale Ben Nevis and return to the yacht.

The Three Peaks Yacht Race is one of the oldest multi-sport endurance races in the world, having been founded in 1977. Seven teams took part in the first race in 1977, and it took those entrants just over 5 days to sail 389 miles, climb 11,000 feet and walk or run 73 miles.

Since its first edition, every type of yacht has taken part from 88 year old prawners to modern trimarans.

Robin Know-Johnston and multihull sailor Brian Thompson have both competed in the race, which attracts sailors and mountaineers from across the world, including Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Norway, the United States, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

The route:

During the first leg from Barmouth, yachts sail approximately 62 sea miles, past Bardsey Island and the Lleyn Peninsula, over Caernarfon Bar and into Caernarfon. The runners then set off to the summit of Snowdon, a distance of just over 24 miles by the time they are back at the boats. There is no pause after the run, it is then directly on to the next phase of the race.

The second leg from Caernarfon to Whitehaven offers the sailors some unique navigational challenges. There is the tough decision either to sail around the Isle of Anglesey or continue, under sail only, through the infamous Menai Straits. After a further sail of approximately 100 miles yachts arrive at the marina in Whitehaven for the longest land leg of the race. At just over 40 miles, event organisers have taken pity on competitors and bicycles are allowed for the first part. Runners then proceed to the summit of Scafell Pike and return to their yacht via the same route.

The third leg from Whitehaven to Fort William involves approximately 230 miles of stunning sailing, rounding the Mull of Kintyre into the Sound of Jura through some of the most beautiful scenery but with many tidal gates to negotiate. The race finishes just north of Fort William at Corpach, which is the entrance to the Caledonian Canal where the sailing ends and the runners set off on a 14 mile run to the summit of Ben Nevis and back to the finish line.

Entries are now open and the organisers would welcome enquiries. There is an early bird discount; £800 till the 1st March and £900 after.

Please email info@threepeaksyachtrace.co.uk for further information

Find out more:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThreePeaksYachtRace

Twitter: @3PeaksYachtRace

Website: www.threepeaksyachtrace.co.uk